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In this issue:We often talk about things parents shouldn't say to players. New contributor, Bruce Brownlee has a short message about what we should say. Four years later, we revisit one of Brian Gotta's most shared stories. A must-read for coaches and parents. And, Craig Sigl's third part in his Coach Communication series is full of helpful tips for new and veteran coaches.

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Six Things Parents Should Say to Their Players

By Bruce Brownlee

A lot of soccer parents with good intentions give a 30 minute lecture, covering all the players supposed deficiencies and giving playing advice, in the car on the way to each match.A lot of soccer parents with good intentions give a 30 minute lecture, covering all the players supposed deficiencies and giving playing advice, in the car on the way to each match. Read Article

Everyone Calm Down!By Brian Gotta, President of CoachDeck

I was taking my dog for a walk at a nearby grade school one Saturday morning and I passed a youth soccer game on the field. I was stunned by the vociferous parents, yelling at the teenage referee about every call, and screaming instructions to the players each time they touched the ball. I kept walking that day. But a few weeks later, on the same route, I encountered the team again. As I approached, there was a huge blow-up from the parents of the local club. It escalated back and forth between both sides. This time, I couldn't help myself. I stopped and said something.:Read Article

Coach Communication (Part 3)By Craig Sigl

Be on the lookout for and take leadership in resolving player conflicts. Getting in the middle of and/or acting as the referee for 2 or more players’ personality conflicts is probably the last thing a youth sports coach wants to do. I get that and I sympathize with you for when you are faced with it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Read Article​